Saturday January 12, 2013
Walawala 2 destroy Utarid’s dream of a top three placing
By K. RAJAN
LANGKAWI: Walawala 2 of Singapore have dashed Malaysian naval boat Utarid’s dream of a top three placing in the Racing Class on the penultimate day of the Royal Langkawi International Regatta.
Walawala 2, skippered by Steve Manning, came in third (59:26), first (1’10:54) and second (1’37:26) in Races Six, Seven and Eight respectively yesterday.
Favourites HiFi, meanwhile, have virtually sewn up the Racing Class crown and the coveted Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy with second (59:17), third (1’13:29) and first (1’36:21) placings in yesterday’s three races.
The three podium finishes means HiFi now lead the standings with 12 penalty points, ahead of second-placed Jelik of Hong Kong (24 penalty points). Walawala 2 are third with 25 penalty points followed by the two Malaysian vessels – Uranus (32 penalty points) and Utarid (35 penalty points).
It was another dismal day for Utarid as they could only finish fourth (59:30), fifth (1’16:30) and seventh (1’46:28) in the three races.
There are two races remaining today.
Manning was clearly elated with his team’s performance.
“We had a happy time sailing today after the slow starts in the first few days. It’s a pity we didn’t have the same wind conditions earlier,” said the 53-year-old Manning.
“The crew really stepped up for the race today. I hope we can continue the good work tomorrow. We have to make sure that we finish the race ahead of Jelik.”
Malaysia’s hopes will be on last year’s third-placed winner Uranus, skippered by Mohd Razali Mansor. The naval boat finished the fourth day of the race with a sixth (1’01:48), second (1’13:05) and fourth (1’40:57) placings.
Razali admitted that they faced an uphill battle to finish in the top three but promised that they would go all out today.
“We will sail out tomorrow with the aim of finishing in the top three overall again. It will be hard but we’re ready to give it a go,” he said.
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